Ladarius quickly proved to be more than just a reliable ball carrier for the Golden Eagles, but an explosive weapon both for the offense and the special teams...ranked among OVC leaders and first on the team in kick return average and all-purpose yards...one of two explosive players slated for the "A" runningback position...expected to handle kick and punt returns...a real triple threat as a rusher, receiver and returner...earned preseason all-OVC recognition from College Sports Madness..and listed on the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Watch List of top FCS return men.

AT TECH (IN 2012): Ladarius played in all 11 contests for the Golden Eagles and ranked among the team's most consistent weapons...ranked third ont he team in receiving with 21 catches for 192 yards...had 109 rushing yards on 17 carries...excelled as return man, ranking first on the team in punt returns (12 for 96) with an average of 8.0 per try...also first on the team in kickoff returns (32 for 668 yards), averaging 209 per try...had a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Murray State on Sept. 29... led the team and ranked eighth in the OVC in all-purpose yards with 1,065.

IN HIGH SCHOOL: Twice named the All-City Player of the Year and an all-state selection...led Maplewood High School to the championship game of the TSSAA state playoffs in Tech's Tucker Stadium...three-year letterman for coach Arcentae Broome...also a three-year letterwinner on the track & field team for the Panthers...talented runningback who was also dangerous as a return specialist...helped Maplewood produce a 12-4 record in 2011 while earning his second consecutive Class 2A Player of the Year honor...named all-state as both a runningback and returner...selected to play in the East-West All-Star game...as a sophomore he rushed for 1,388 yards and 15 touchdowns, and added 926 yards and six scores..as a senior, he capped off his prep career with 2,290 yards and 24 touchdowns, adding up to 4,604 yards and 45 touchdowns on 496 carries...was a three-time Academic Honor Roll recepient.

PERSONAL: The son of Lakesha Vanlier...born April 29, 1994...full name is Ladarius Keanthony Vanlier...majoring in basic engineering.